The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed on Thursday that a silicone mask was used to film an alleged sacrilegious video of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The ruling party released footage purportedly showing a Canada-based person, Jagman Samra, holding a mask resembling the Chief Minister to support claims of a conspiracy to defame Mann.
Why is there a controversy over the video?
The political row began following an alleged objectionable video that led the Akal Takht, the supreme temporal body of Sikhs, to issue an edict against Bhagwant Mann on June 15. The matter involves allegations of making comments on ‘Guru ki Golak’ (gurdwara donation box) and engaging in “objectionable activities” with images of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj stated that two forensic laboratories found the video, which shows a man resembling Mann, to be “authentic.” This finding prompted a counter-response from the ruling party.
“The Akali, BJP and Congress’s full game against CM Bhagwant exposed. This is the same man of Akali Dal who shot a fake video of Punjab chief minister Sardar Bhagwant Mann in a hotel, while wearing a silicone mask,” the AAP post on X read.
AAP presented a forensic report claiming the man in the video is not the Punjab Chief Minister. However, this sparked further legal tension when Haryana Police arrested two men on Tuesday regarding a complaint about the procurement of a forensic report they alleged was “fabricated.”
How does Bhagwant Mann defend himself?
Bhagwant Mann has maintained that he was not the person featured in the objectionable clip. He claimed the video was filmed in a hotel room located in Abbotsford, Canada, and that the individual used a silicone mask to resemble his face.
The Chief Minister stated he has not visited Canada since 2016, adding that the video appears to have been shot after 2017-18. He also questioned the production of the footage, asking, “Who gave him money to make this video? Who is the producer and director of this video?”
What may happen next?
Mann announced that he intends to share the new video, which purportedly shows the mask, with the Akal Takht for examination. The political situation remains unresolved as opposition parties at both the state and national levels continue to demand his resignation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core allegation against Bhagwant Mann?
The allegations involve an objectionable video where a man, purportedly resembling Mann, makes comments on ‘Guru ki Golak’ and handles images of Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale.
Who is Jagman Samra?
Jagman Samra is a Canada-based person whom Mann identified as the person seen in a video holding a mask that resembles the Chief Minister’s face.
What was the Akal Takht’s position on the video?
The Akal Takht issued an edict against Mann on June 15 after its Jathedar claimed forensic laboratories found the video to be “authentic.”
How will the Akal Takht respond to the new evidence presented by the Chief Minister?